The love of music is a passion that most humans possess. Music can be found in the history of literally all human culture. Although there may be little differences from culture to culture such as instruments, tone, style, language, etc. More developed cultures may use more sophisticated instrument while others may use more traditional. Either way, music is always identifiable to the human ears. Music has been known to affect a person’s mood. It can make you happy, sad, angry, confident, courageous, motivated, anxious, depressed, etc. There are different types of music, and depending on what type it can affect your mood both positively and negatively. Many studies have shown the positive therapeutic effect of music, especially in mental health. These studies have shown a positive result when music therapy is used for psychiatric wellbeing. It can health with coping, stress reduction, promotion of emotional health, and improve psychological wellbeing. Music can relax, energies, and also have proved effective in pain management (Cherry, 2019).
Although it is not very clear on how researchers have found that music can enhance one’s cognitive performance. Music helps with organizing the nerve cell firing in the cerebral cortex. This is the part of the brain responsible for higher functioning. This warms up the brain and helps it process information more effectively. Research has also promoted music as a stress reducer. The sound of music has been used in operating rooms to reduce the patient’s anxiety over the procedure (Harvard medical school, 2011). Some research has found that the use of background music in older adults has improved cognition. This result is much better with the utilization of instrumental music rather than ones with complex words. A 2013 study on stress and music found that listening to music had a huge impact on the way individual’s response to stress. They also found that individuals who listen to music had a faster recovery from a stressful situation. Lastly, a study of college students found that listening to music improves the quality of sleep.
Tips:
- Music has been well documented to affect one’s mood
- The type of music listens can result in a positive or negative effect
- Adding background instrumental music can help improve your mental performance
- Listening to calming and soothing music can help with dealing with and recovering from stress
- Slow music at bedtime can help improve one’s sleep
References:
Cherry, K., (2019). 10 Surprising psychological benefits of music. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/surprising-psychological-benefits-of-music-4126866
Harvard Medical School., (2011). Music and Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/music-and-health
Montánchez Torres ML, Juárez Ramos V, Martínez Suárez PC, Alonso García S, Torres Mendoza M (2016) Benefits of Using Music Therapy in Mental Disorders. J Biomusic Eng 4: 116. doi:10.4172/2090-2719.1000116